SB 579 would provide eligible Tennessee workers 12 weeks of job-protected leave for recovery after living organ donation surgery, with leave counted toward employment seniority. It prohibits insurers from denying coverage or charging more for life, disability, or long-term care insurance solely because someone is a living organ donor. The bill also requires the Tennessee Department of Health to create and post public educational materials about living organ donation by July 2025, covering benefits, risks, and insurance impacts. This bill directly affects living organ donors, employers, and insurance providers in Tennessee.
SB 1414, effective May 5, 2025, strengthens Tennessee's alignment with the federal 340B drug discount program by prohibiting drug manufacturers from restricting access to 340B drugs or imposing unfair requirements on participating entities. The bill directly affects 340B entities (such as community health centers and hospitals) and their contracted pharmacies, banning actions like denying 340B drug access, demanding extra health data, or applying stricter audit rules than for non-340B providers. Key provisions require manufacturers to comply with federal 340B rules and prohibit interference with 340B entities' drug choices or contracts. Violations carry a $50,000 civil penalty per violation, enforceable by the state commissioner or attorney general. The law explicitly states it does not override applicable federal 340B regulations.
SB 440 clarifies that standalone dental and vision insurance plans (known as "excepted benefits") are not required to cover specific medical treatments, services, or conditions unless state law explicitly mandates it. This change directly affects health insurance plans offering these stand-alone benefits, removing an implied obligation to cover certain medical needs under those plans. The law applies to all new or renewed insurance policies issued on or after July 1, 2025, ensuring clarity for insurers and policyholders. It does not alter existing coverage requirements for standard health insurance plans.
SB 449, the "Fertility Treatment and Contraceptive Protection Act," establishes legal rights for individuals in Tennessee to access fertility treatments and contraception without state prohibition. It defines "fertility treatment" broadly to include procedures like in vitro fertilization, genetic testing of embryos, and medication for fertility, while defining "contraception" to cover methods such as birth control pills, emergency contraceptives, and sterilization. The law explicitly states that Tennessee law does not prohibit these activities, overriding conflicting state laws. This act takes effect on July 1, 2025, directly affecting all residents seeking these health services within the state.
SB 436 requires Tennessee's Medicaid program (TennCare) to consider using biosimilar drugs - cost-saving, FDA-approved versions of biologic medications - as part of its drug coverage strategy. It also allows health insurers to require patients to try a biosimilar before covering a branded drug, and directs the state's pharmacy advisory committee to factor biosimilar use into recommendations for the state drug formulary. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections governing drug coverage, pharmacy practices, and formulary decisions. These changes aim to reduce prescription drug costs by expanding the use of biosimilars while maintaining FDA safety and efficacy standards. The bill directly affects TennCare patients, health insurers, and the state's drug formulary decision-making process.
HB 1198 requires Tennessee health insurers and TennCare to allow patients to try biosimilar drugs (cost-effective copies of brand-name medications) before covering the original branded drug. It amends state law to permit health carriers to mandate a biosimilar trial for equivalent branded prescriptions, removing prior requirements for generic drug trials. The bill also directs TennCare’s pharmacy committee to consider biosimilar drugs when recommending medications for the state’s preferred drug list. These changes aim to reduce prescription drug costs by increasing biosimilar adoption, as stated in the bill’s legislative findings.
SB 515 extends Tennessee's current limit of 125 new nursing home beds per fiscal year for which the health facilities commission may approve (via certificate of need) until June 30, 2029, instead of expiring in 2025. This directly affects nursing home facilities seeking to expand and the health facilities commission, which reviews and approves new bed applications. The key provision is a simple extension of the existing cap, not a change to the 125-bed limit. The bill became effective March 25, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.
SB 1063 removes two notification requirements related to prior authorization for healthcare services in Tennessee. It eliminates the requirement for healthcare providers to notify patients when communicating with insurance companies about missing information for prior authorization, and it removes the requirement for insurance companies to notify patients when additional information is needed from the patient or provider. The bill directly affects healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients by reducing administrative steps in the prior authorization process. These changes amend Tennessee Code sections 63-1-171 and 56-6-705, effective April 3, 2025.
SB 577 amends Tennessee's TennCare program by shortening the time frame for implementing the annual coverage assessment from seven days to five days. It also establishes limits on hospital payments under specific circumstances, directly affecting TennCare administrators and participating hospitals. The bill changes the timing requirement in Tennessee Code Annotated Section 71-5-2005(d)(2)(D) and became effective April 3, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.
SB 522 requires Tennessee's TennCare program to cover diagnosis (including genetic testing) and treatment for Kleefstra syndrome - a rare genetic disorder causing developmental delays, intellectual disability, and physical symptoms - on the same terms as coverage for autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and similar genetic conditions. This mandate applies directly to TennCare enrollees diagnosed with Kleefstra syndrome, ensuring access to therapies, medications, and interventions aimed at improving quality of life. The bill updates TennCare coverage rules to include this condition under existing standards for comparable genetic disorders. It takes effect July 1, 2025.
